In a ground-breaking initiative, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have agreed on an environmental programme of works which will bring long-term benefits to the River Tywi in Carmarthenshire.

Welsh Water has contributed £250,000 to the West Wales Rivers Trust, which will deliver the programme of fisheries improvements on behalf of Welsh Water.

Welsh Water has an obligation to mitigate for impacts on fish stocks and this programme of fisheries improvements will increase the number of both salmon and sea trout juveniles in the River Tywi and help to maintain sustainable fish populations now and for future generations.

This funding will allow the Rivers Trust to launch a programme of work that will improve water quality, provide additional habitat and promote fish access in the upper river.

Gail Davies, environment programme manager, Welsh Water said: “The agreement comes after a number of years of partnership planning with stakeholders. Welsh Water is very happy to be able to support a long-term programme of activity within the catchment.

“Given the current status of fish stocks across Wales, it is important that we work with all partners on habitat restoration.”

Dave Charlesworth, NRW sustainable fisheries project manager, said: “Fish populations on the River Tywi are currently under real pressure and it is my hope that this programme will make a real difference and build on what has already been achieved to date.

“It contributes to a huge effort across Wales to increase stocks of salmon and sea trout in our rivers so that they can become sustainable for years to come.”

Lloyd Evans, chairman of the West Wales Rivers Trust said: “The trust is delighted that our partners, Welsh Water and NRW, have the confidence in us to deliver such a vital programme of work over the next 10 years. Habitat restoration is at the core of the trust’s work, involving trustees, trust staff and volunteers, as well as fishery stakeholders and riparian owners along the River Tywi.”

Welsh Water is currently working with NRW on a similar solution for the Eastern Cleddau, which is the only other reservoir in Wales which has this unique partnership arrangement.